Brain disorders

Overview Corticobasal degeneration is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by nerve cell loss and atrophy (shrinkage) of multiple areas of the brain including the cerebral cortex and the basal ganglia. Corticobasal degeneration progresses gradually. Initial symptoms, which typically begin at or around age 60, may first appear on one side …

Description A brain aneurysm also referred to as a cerebral aneurysm or an intracranial aneurysm (IA), is a weak bulging spot on the wall of a brain artery very much like a thin balloon or weak spot on an inner tube. Over time, the blood flow within the artery pounds …

Definition Savant syndrome is the rare disease that is also defined mental disorders. However, the syndrome is more of special skill than a normal disorder. However, the fact remains that the syndrome is witnessed among people who are suffering from Autism. The record shows that half of the Savant syndrome …

Description Chiari malformation is a congenital defective condition of the skull’s structure, in which cerebellum and the brain stem have penetrated into the foramen magnum, an opening at the base of the skull. Chiari is a term named after a pathologist Hans Chiari, who first described the Chiari malformation. The …

Definition Encephalitis (en-sef-uh-LIE-tis) is inflammation of the brain. There are several causes, but the most common is viral infection. Encephalitis often causes only mild flu-like signs and symptoms such as a fever or headache or no symptoms at all. Sometimes the flu-like symptoms are more severe. Encephalitis can also cause …

Definition Epilepsy is defined as the repeated occurrence of sudden, excessive and/or synchronous discharges in cerebral cortical neurons resulting in disruption of consciousness, disturbance of sensation, movements, impairment of mental function, or some combination of these signs. Because of their sudden nature, seizures are called ictal events, from the Latin …

Definition Schizophrenia is a serious disorder which affects how a person thinks, feels and acts. Someone with schizophrenia may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is imaginary; may be unresponsive or withdrawn; and may have difficulty expressing normal emotions in social situations. History The word schizophrenia was …

Definition Bipolar disorder is a condition that features extreme shifts in mood and fluctuations in energy and activity levels that can make day-to-day living difficult. Previously known as manic depression, it is a serious mental illness that, if left untreated, can destroy relationships, undermine career prospects, and seriously affect academic …

Definition A stroke is a “brain attack”. It can happen to anyone at any time. It occurs when blood flow to an area of brain is cut off. When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled …

Definition Aphasia is a communication disorder that occurs due to brain damage in one or more areas that control language. It can interfere with your verbal communication, written communication, or both. It can cause problems with your ability to: Read Write Speak Understand speech Listen According to the National Aphasia …

Definition Agnosia is a rare neurological disorder which causes the loss of ability to recognize any familiar person, object and sounds or the ability to comprehend the meaning of any object or difficulty in processing sensory information, such as touch, sound, and light even in the presence of intact senses. …

Introduction Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. ADHD has three subtypes Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive Most symptoms (six or more) are in the hyperactivity-impulsivity categories. Fewer than six symptoms of inattention are present, although inattention may …

Definition Meningitis is an infection of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by a bacterial, fungal or viral infection. Meningitis can be acute, with a quick onset of symptoms, it can be chronic, and lasting a month or more, or it can be …